NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! Charles Grodin stood out to me when I first saw him as Nicky Holiday in The Great Muppet Caper. His offbeat personality made him a perfect fit for all the zaniness seen in many Muppet productions. In that role, I got a taste for his distinct comedic timing and knack for portraying cynical jerks. James L. Freedman’s Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause is a documentary that delves into the life of an underrated talent. Freedman’s film also highlights Grodin’s passion for social causes.
Grodin is worthy of the moniker: Renaissance man. He was an actor, producer, director, and writer. He grew up in a Jewish household and had an outgoing personality. In high school, he was frequently elected as class president. Grodin loved people and acknowledged minorities; this was prior to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. His goal was to become a journalist, and that all changed once he saw Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift in A Place in the Sun. He trained at the Actors Studio, where he learned about method acting. Throughout his twenties, he did a mix of odd jobs and worked as an actor in plays. Grodin was noticed by Hollywood after appearing on Broadway. He had steady work on television in notable series like The Felony Squad and The Big Valley. Grodin was almost cast in The Graduate, but he backed out due to money disputes. His big break finally came when he was cast as Dr. Hill in Rosemary’s Baby. We see his rise as a comedic actor and explore his onscreen persona as a cynical jerk. This carried over into his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Late Show with Letterman, where he would be the “anti-guest” and challenge the friendly talk show etiquette.
“…delves into the life of an underrated talent. Freedman’s film also highlights Grodin’s passion for social causes.”
The latter portions of the documentary delve into his passion for activism. He fought against New York’s Rockefeller Drug Laws. On weekends, Grodin visited Bedford Hills prison and met with single mothers. He was exposing how the justice system was wrongfully imprisoning those who did not commit serious crimes. Charles Grodin was more than just a bright comedic star; he believed in humanity and making a difference in American society.
Freedman’s film is a charming tribute to an underappreciated talent. The film is a perfect blend of biography, film history, and political discourse. Frank Laughlin’s elegant editing weaves into Grodin’s life during his high and low points. The serious moments are consistently followed by Charles Grodin’s distinct humor. The interview segments, with famous names like Steve Martin and Martin Short, delve into his comedy style. He was famous for his introspective pauses in between dialogue and his natural gift for improvisation.
After catching glimpses of scenes from Midnight Run and his other films throughout the documentary, I want to check out the rest of his vast filmography. Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause is a film with heart and humor that speaks to a greater meaning: we can use our talents to better our world. This is an optimistic message that will inspire audiences in their own lives.
Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause screened at the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival. Check out future screenings on their official site: https://charlesgrodinfilm.com/
"…Grodin was almost cast in The Graduate, but he backed out due to money disputes."
